FINALLY ... A Notice of Intended Action -- the DNR SEASON PROPOSAL for NRC Decision 2013-2014

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code sections 455A.5(6), sections 481A.38, 481A.39, and 481A.48, the Natural Resource Commission hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 91, “Waterfowl and Coot Hunting Seasons,” Iowa Administrative Code. This chapter contains the regulations for hunting waterfowl and coot, and includes season dates, bag limits, possession limits, shooting hours, and areas open to hunting. The proposed rule adjusts the season dates to comply with United States Fish and Wildlife Service regulations nd to ensure the seasons open on weekends. The proposed rule also removes the bag limit on light geese during the conservation order season as studies indicate the population can withstand it, and doing so increases hunter opportunity. Light geese include white and blue phase lesser snow geese and Ross’ geese.

Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendments on or before May 23, 2013. Written comments may be directed to Wildlife Bureau Chief, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034; by Email at wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov; or by fax at (515)281-6794. Persons who wish to convey their comments orally may contact the Wildlife Bureau by telephone at (515)281-5034 or by visiting the fourth floor of the Wallace State Office Building during regular business hours.

There will be a public hearing on May 23, 2013, at 1 p.m. in the conference room on the fourth floor of the Wallace State Office Building. At the public hearing, persons may present their views either orally or in writing. Participants will be asked to give their names and addresses for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of the amendments. Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department of Natural Resources and request specific accommodations.

After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found since most changes are due to shifts in the calendar dates. The change in the bag limit for light geese during the conservation order will not affect license sales or hunter effort.

These amendments are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 481A.38, 481A.39, and 481A.48. The following amendments are proposed.

ITEM 1. Amend subrules 91.1(2) to 91.1(4) as follows:

91.1(2)Season dates - north zone. For all ducks: September 21 through September 25 and October 12 through December 5.

91.1(3)

Season dates - south zone. For all ducks: September 21 through September 25 and October 19 through December 12.

91.1(4)

Season dates –Missouri River zone. For all ducks: September 21 through September 25 and October 26 through December 19.

ITEM 2. Amend subrules 91.3(2) to 91.3(4) as follows:

91.3(2) Season dates - north zone. Canada geese and brant: September 28 through January 3, 2014. White-fronted geese: September 28 through December 10. Light geese (white and blue-phase snow geese and Ross’ geese): September 28 through January 12, 2014.

91.3(3) Season dates - south zone. Canada geese and brant: October 5 through January

10, 2014. White-fronted geese: October 5 through December 17. Light geese (white and blue-phase snow geese and Ross’ geese): October 5 through January 17, 2014.

91.3(4) Season dates – Missouri River zone. Canada geese and brant: October 12 through January 17, 2014. White-fronted geese: October 12 through December 24. Light geese (white and blue-phase snow geese and Ross’ geese): October 12 through January 17, 2014.

ITEM 3. Amend subrules 91.3(8) and 91.3(10) to 91.3(12) as follows:

91.3(8) Light goose conservation order season. Only light geese (white and blue-phase snow geese and Ross’ geese) may be taken under a conservation order from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from January 18, 2014, through April 15, 2014.

a. Zone boundaries. Statewide.

b. Shooting hours. One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.c. Bag limit. No bag limit.d. Possession limit. No possession limit.e. Other regulations. Methods of take approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for hunting light geese during the conservation order season shall be permitted.

This is directly related to the Mo. Valley Zone (3rd,zone ) and the South zone if enough e mail letters are sent to me and if you would want us to make the case.

Ok folks, here we go.

Most of you have read what the NOIA is for this upcoming waterfowl season.

Mo. Valley Waterfowlers Assc is going to request the the Early season for the 3rd zone be 2 days not 5. Sat & Sun. Take the 3 days and add them to the end of the season structure which would give folks in the 3rd zone an added weekend of opportunity. This allows the season to Open on a weekend and close on a weekend.

We would be more than Happy to do the same for the south zone duck hunter is you would like. In other words we can kill 2 birds with one stone here. All that I ask is that you write in your own words that you wish to see the early season reduced to 2 days and put the remaining 3 to the end of the season structure. Again giving the majority of duck hunters that added weekend of opportunity. The way I review it is simple. If the USFWS finds it vital that the season open on a weekend, it should be as equally as important to close the season on a weekend so that more hunters can take advantage of the last few days in the season.

Send me your Support letters to ( FHD101@AOL.COM ) Do Not send your letters to the PM. It has to be to my direct e mail folks.